there you go timing of my post. What is below the hearth? self leveling compound and then durock in layers should get you by, provided the supporting structure underneath is solid block
There's at least two layers of brick then cinder blocks under that below the house my main concern with the leveler is that it will run into all the holes in the bricks and through in between them. They are just stacked there no morter on them I could pull them all out if I want to which I dont.
How about chisel any loose mortar off the old bricks, put down some mortar to fill the holes and put durock down while wet. Tapcon screws put in once set up.
Here is a series of pictures from start to finish. It only took a little over two years. In the beginning Started the demo of wall found wood studs Replaced them with metal studs and removed everything that was combustible within the clearances to combustibles for the stove Durock cement board went over the brick Found several layers of brick underneath I used cement to level the brick area to the plywood sub floor then laid down durock and sheet metal. I painted the brick inside the fireplace and finished the trim yesterday. Now I just need some more muscles to help me put the stove back in place.
So I just realized I never submitted the final picture for all of this so here it is finally and getting ready for the second fire of the season.
Thank you it took me about two years from start to finish but it as finally done this summer. The mantle is a reclaimed beam from an old factory or something I will have to see if I can find the paperwork on it but it is a one of a kind piece for sure.
Looks great, it's irrelevant for you case at this point but the manual for the Keystone does not mention the later of 24g sheet metal that the Fireview manual calls for. Makes me wonder what the difference is if it isn't for heat shielding (without any air space I can't think it would do much for that).